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Enzo Maresca has told his Chelsea players that they need to improve when they play five-man defences. The Blues came undone against Sunderland last weekend as the Black Cats secured a late 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge as Regis Le Bris opted to change his setup for the game in west London. And the Italian delivered a humorous anecdote about Ange Postecoglou's decision to use a five-man defence.

Getty Images SportPostecoglou's final throw of the dice revealed

Postecoglou lasted just 39 days as Nottingham Forest head coach having been relieved of his duties at the City Ground earlier this month. The Australian was brought in as Nuno's replacement during the September international break but failed to win any of the eight matches he managed.

Postecoglou's final game as Forest boss was a 3-0 loss at to Chelsea, with the former Tottenham man relieved of his duties just minutes after the defeat to the Blues. Second half goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James compounded a miserable afternoon for the Tricky Trees and ended the 60-year-old's brief stint back in the Premier League.

The former Forest head coach opted for a change in system in what proved to be his last match at the City Ground as a final throw of the dice, and Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was caught off guard by Postecoglou's decision having previously joked with the Greece-born manager about teams using a back five against the Club World Cup winners.

Advertisement'This is tough for players'

Maresca stated that a chance meeting with Postecoglou prior to his Forest appointment highlighted the issue that Chelsea face this season. "Before Ange took over at Nottingham Forest, we spoke at the LMA awards in London," the Italian began.

"I said: 'Ange, I've never seen your team use a back five – except for the last 10 minutes of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

"He laughed and said: 'I hate using a back five, but, as it was the last 10 minutes and we needed to win the trophy, we did.' Then we played Forest – it was a back five, and I had prepared for a back four!

"I again told the team that everything goes straight in the bin because it was a back five. This is tough for players."

AFP 'Throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin'

"When we have difficulties, we like to analyse," Maresca said when asked why teams are playing five-man defences against Chelsea this season. "I'm telling the players every day that, now, teams – probably because of what we achieved last season – have changed their approach against us.

"Sunderland played nine league games and they never used a back five from the start. Never. I watched them all, so we prepared for Sunderland with a back four.

"In the dressing room before the match, I told the players: 'Guys, throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin.' It's so difficult to change plan in just 10 minutes."

Sunderland's plan worked perfectly as they secured a 2-1 win in the capital to maintain their flying start to the Premier League season. Alejandro Garnacho fired Chelsea ahead early on before Wilson Isidor responded midway through the second half. Summer signing Chemsdine Talbi then struck in second half injury time as the Black Cats claimed a huge win.

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Chelsea responded to Sunderland setback

Chelsea bounced back from last week's loss to Sunderland with victory over Wolves to book their place in the fifth round of the EFL Cup in midweek. However, the Blues made hard work of their game at Molineux, despite going in at the break three goals to the good as Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao put Chelsea into a commanding position.

Tolu Arokodare pulled one back for Wolves shortly after the break before David Moller Wolfe halved the deficit in the 73rd minute. Jamie Gittens settled Chelsea nerves with a thundering effort in the 89th minute after Maresca's side had been reduced to 10 men following Liam Delap's careless dismissal. Wolfe struck again in the 91st minute to set up a tense finish but Chelsea held out to progress to the next round of the competition.

Chelsea have a London derby on Saturday evening as they take on rivals Tottenham and face a third successive away match next week when they face Qarabag in the Champions League. The Blues then return to Stamford Bridge for the welcome of Wolves before the final international break of the year.

Rangers chiefs have been handed a boost in their search for a new manager to take the Ibrox hotseat.

Latest Rangers manager news

So far, one of the leading candidates to head to Ibrox has been former boss Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend has been out of a coaching role since January, when he left Al-Ettifaq and has already held positive talks with Rangers about a return.

Having ended Celtic’s reign the last time that he stepped foot in Scottish football, his appointment would certainly make sense as the Gers aim for a repeat. What’s more, the Liverpool legend, himself, recently admitted that he has “unfinished” business in management after failing in Saudi Arabia and in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

That said, Gerrard isn’t the only candidate on Rangers’ list. The Gers have also been linked with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and former Everton manager Sean Dyche.

Dyche upgrade: Ibrox officials eyeing "ultra-positive" manager for Rangers

Rangers are eyeing up a move for a manager who would be even better than Sean Dyche.

ByDan Emery Oct 8, 2025

It’s a decision that the 49ers cannot afford to get wrong after Martin’s failure and that’s why appointing an option far closer to home may well be their answer to bouncing back.

Derek McInnes now open to Rangers job

As reported by GiveMeSport, Derek McInnes is now open to joining Rangers and has a release clause in his current Hearts deal which should make it far easier for the Gers to seal any potential deal. The talented manager has enjoyed an excellent start to the season with Hearts and even sits top of the Scottish Premiership, unbeaten and two points ahead of Celtic.

After such a strong start at Hearts, the big concern for Rangers would have been convincing McInnes to leave, but reports suggest that he is keen on the job.

His appointment would also be an instant contrast to the route that the 49ers went down to welcome Martin. Instead of turning towards a sacked Premier League manager, the Gers would be welcoming a manager who knows the Scottish Premiership better than most of their other candidates and made history for Hearts last month with their first Ibrox win since 2014.

Interestingly, McInnes is represented by the same agency – Arena Sports Management – as Lennon Miller, after the Gers spent months chasing Miller only to miss out to Udinese. Perhaps the link between the two could create a path for the teenager to return to Scotland further down the line.

Looking at their options, both Gerrard and McInnes are the standouts for Rangers, who should make their decision before the return of domestic football from the international break.

Earlier on Friday, RCB official Sosale was arrested in relation to the stampede at RCB’s victory celebrations that caused the death of 11 people

Edited PTI copy06-Jun-20251:15

Gambhir: We should never have roadshows

The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted interim protection from arrest to key office bearers of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in connection with the deaths of 11 people and injuries to many more in a stampede during the event held on Wednesday to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the IPL.Justice S R Krishna Kumar, who heard the petition seeking to quash the FIR against the KSCA office-bearers, restrained the police from taking any coercive action against the officials until the next hearing. The court also directed the petitioners to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The petition to quash the FIR will be taken up again on June 16.The KSCA ‘s lead office bearers comprise: former Karnataka spinner Raghuram Bhatt (president), K Sriram (vice-president), A Shankar (secretary), ES Jairam (treasurer) and former umpire Shahvir Tarapore (joint secretary).Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, who appeared on behalf of the state, clarified that the police had no immediate plans to arrest anyone and sought permission for the investigation to continue.The counsel defending KSCA raised concern over the recent arrest of Nikhil Sosale, the marketing and revenue head of RCB, claiming it indicated a targeted approach. The state advocate general responded that Sosale had been apprehended at the airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Dubai.Related

RCB senior official Nikhil Sosale granted interim bail by Karnataka High Court

Chinnaswamy stampede: KSCA secretary, treasurer resign citing 'moral responsibility'

Casualties mar RCB's homecoming in Bengaluru

Deaths and injuries to fans mar RCB's homecoming in Bengaluru

Gautam Gambhir: No need for roadshows, lives more important

The KSCA plea argued that the FIR naming them was a “knee-jerk” reaction by the police under pressure from the state government. A related petition filed by Sosale and RCB was also heard on Friday. However, the court adjourned the matter to Monday without passing any orders.The High Court has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and has asked the state to file a status report. That matter will be heard on June 10.The Bengaluru police arrested Sosale on Friday. The arrest followed the Karnataka state government suspending top police officials on Thursday, while appointing a new commissioner, Seemanth Kumar Singh. Sosale has challenged his arrest and approached the Karnataka High Court, according to Bar and BenchIn their FIR on Thursday, the Bengaluru police claim that they denied RCB permission to conduct their victory parade at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, around which the stampede occurred leading to casualties. RCB were listed as the first accused along with DNA Entertainment, the franchise’s event partners, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which is in charge of the stadium premises.Nikhil Sosale being taken to court from the Cubbon Park police station after his arrest•AFP/Getty ImagesAs per the Bengaluru police, officers had been on duty around the stadium until 5:30am on June 4, the day after RCB’s victory in the IPL final, and due to the difficulty of managing another large crowd, permission for the event was denied. “Despite this, KSCA, RCB, and DNA proceeded with the event, ignoring police instructions,” the FIR said.”Without any official permission, on June 4, RCB announced their celebration and victory parade on their social media and website, inviting fans to join. Once this news spread on TV channels and social media, we (Police) informed our senior officers and requested security and necessary arrangements.”According to the police, RCB’s posting of free entry passes on their social media channels worsened the situation as the franchise hadn’t informed the police or public about how passes would be distributed, causing confusion among the fans gathered outside.There has been no official statement or reaction from the franchise since the arrest has been made. On Thursday evening, the state government as well as RCB, owned by liquor giants Diageo, announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, while covering all medical expenses for the injured. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to Sosale and RCB for comment.Edited PTI copy, with additional reporting by ESPNcricinfo

The MLB postseason is approaching, and every team in the hunt is looking to close out the regular season strong – especially when they’re facing a team that’s also in the race. 

That’s the case for the Kansas City Royals and starter Seth Lugo on Tuesday, as they look to avenge Monday’s loss to the Minnesota Twins to keep pace in the AL wild card race and the AL Central division. 

Lugo is one of my favorite prop picks for today’s MLB slate, but there is also a run line play that I’m eyeing in the National League. 

With every MLB team in action, here’s how to bet on Tuesday’s action in today’s edition of Walk Off Wagers. 

MLB Best Bets Today for Tuesday, Aug. 13

Seth Lugo OVER 17.5 Outs Recorded (-180)Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (-122) vs. San Diego PadresNestor Cortes OVER 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed (+110)Seth Lugo OVER 17.5 Outs Recorded (-180)

All season long, Kansas City Royals righty Seth Lugo has been impressive, posting a 2.72 ERA across 24 outings, leading the Royals to a 14-10 record in those games. 

Lugo – a former reliever – has shown an ability to go deep into matchups, pitching six or more innings in 20 of his 24 outings. So, the fact that he’s set at just 17.5 outs recorded on Tuesday is pretty shocking.

Earlier this season, Lugo made a pair of starts against the Twins, going six innings in both of them while allowing a combined eight hits and just one earned run. The Twins do rank sixth in the league in OPS, which makes them a tough matchup, but Lugo has been lights out against the Royals’ division rival in 2024. 

I’ll take a shot on him to get through six innings again, especially since he’s done so more than 80 percent of the time this season. 

Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 (-122) vs. San Diego Padres

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in trouble.

They’re now in last place in the NL Central after dropping their eighth consecutive game on Monday night, but I’m going to to cover the run line on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres.

Pittsburgh comes into this game with the second-best record in MLB on the run line (66-52), and it has thrived on the road (37-23) when it comes to covering. Now, the Pirates aren’t winning games as of late, but they aren’t getting blown out either.

Over this eight-game losing streak, the Pirates have five losses by one run, including three of them against this Padres team. 

With the Pirates set as massive underdogs against Michael King and company tonight, I can’t help but take them to at least cover here. Not only will Pittsburgh eventually pick up a win, but it has played an insane 43 games that were decided by one run or less in 2024. 

Buy low on the Buccos on Tuesday. 

Nestor Cortes OVER 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed (+110)

New York Yankees lefty Nestor Cortes Jr. has been awful as of late, posting a 7.67 ERA over his last six starts – dating back to the start of July. 

The Yankees aren’t good in Cortes’ starts overall this season, going 8-16 straight up, and they’re coming off a horrible showing in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

The White Sox put up 12 runs in that win, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see the league’s worst offense get to Cortes, who has allowed 39 hits and 10 walks in his last 29.1 innings of work. 

Cortes has allowed at least three earned runs in seven of his last eight starts, so getting this prop at plus money feels like a no-brainer, even though the Chicago offense hasn’t been good in 2024.

Something feels different about Arsenal this season, doesn’t it? The Gunners sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table and they have a 100% record from their three Champions League matches.

A year ago, it was a struggle. Multiple red cards and injuries plagued a heavily talented squad and, until the latter stages of European competition, they struggled to hit top gear.

Yet for all of the reliance on set-pieces, for all of the ridiculous comments on long throws in recent days, Arsenal looks like the best team in the land.

Steady on. We know. Let’s not count our chickens just yet, but everything is looking rather rosy. Mikel Arteta’s men have shipped just one open-play goal all season and are yet to concede in the Champions League.

Their forward line, as demonstrated in that stunning 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid, is improving all the time too.

That’s hardly a surprise. Andrea Berta – once of Atleti’s parish – invested KSE’s money heavily over the summer on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Gyokeres went nine goals without finding the net before his brace on Tuesday night. The relief and delight were clear to see on the Swede’s face.

The number 14 has some way to go before he can be considered an all-time great but amidst Arteta’s setup, there are a few faces beginning to make themselves modern icons. Gabriel Magalhaes is the prime example.

Why Gabriel is now the best centre-back on the planet

Swing in a corner or set-piece and there is usually one result. Gabriel will be on hand to head home.

His record in recent years and indeed this season has been extraordinary. No central defender across the top five leagues in European football has scored more goals than his tally of 22 since 2020.

The big Brazilian is inevitable and his remarkable record in 2025/26 has only strengthened his argument as the best goalscoring defender around.

In his last five games, he has scored twice and also picked up two assists. There was that crashing header in the dying embers to win the game at Newcastle United and he followed that up by flicking on Bukayo Saka’s corner for Leandro Trossard’s winner at Craven Cottage a few days ago.

His performance against Atleti, however, was colossal. It was the 27-year-old who headed the Gunners in front from Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick and it was Gabriel who got on the end of Rice’s corner minutes later in the second half. He didn’t find the net this time but he did put it on a plate for Gyokeres to score from a matter of yards out.

But, can he defend too? You bet he can. Gabriel is one of the sternest central defenders in the land.

He has been dribbled past just 0.4 times per game in the league this season and is winning 77% of his ground duels. For context, of Premier League defenders to win more than ten ground duels in 2025/26, he ranks joint-fifth for percentage of ground duels won. He sits level with Virgil van Dijk in that regard.

1. Joel Veltman

89%

2. Noussair Mazraoui

82%

3. Daniel Ballard

78.57%

3= Trevoh Chalobah

78.57%

4. Kenny Tete

77%

5. Virgil van Dijk

76.92%

5= Gabriel

76.92%

Defenders who have won 10 + duels only

So, he’s a set-piece menace. He’s a warrior, he’s a leader of men and he’s a pretty damn good defender too.

Is there anything Gabriel cannot do? Perhaps not. He is undoubtedly one of the best players we’ve seen in the Emirates Stadium era. But, is he the best?

Arsenal's best player since Arsene Wenger retired

While Arsene Wenger’s final few years at Arsenal were not as victorious and triumphant as the early days, he is still remembered fondly. Besides the great Herbert Chapman, he is the finest manager the club have ever had and he had some remarkable players in his armoury.

Whether it was Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira or Robert Pires, the greats of Arsenal were around when Wenger was.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Yet, since he retired, the Gunners have struggled and it’s not until recent years that Arteta has transformed them into title challengers again.

The aforementioned Gabriel has been a big part of that. As has Saka. Without him, there’s a very realistic chance that Arteta wouldn’t even still be in the job.

During the infancy of the Spaniard’s coaching career in north London, it was the Hale End marvel who got the Gunners out of plenty of sticky situations.

Yet, in recent years, they’ve found a transformational player, a generational talent who looks like he could eclipse some of the best players we’ve seen at Arsenal since Wenger walked away. Mesut Ozil? He’s making a bigger impact than him. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? He’s certainly earned more respect than their former no.14.

Even better than Gabriel and Saka? Arguably so. Rice is your man and he’s becoming one of the finest specimens in world football.

Back in 2023, Edu and Co moved heaven and earth to bring the England international to the Emirates, paying a club-record £105m to sign him from West Ham. They fended off serial winners Manchester City to do so. It was a landmark move.

Well, since heading to Arsenal, Rice has made that fee look like a bargain. Since when has that sort of money ever looked cheap? Well, West Ham must be cursing their luck that they did not get more bang for their buck.

The midfielder was a mighty fine player at West Ham but he has gone on another level after his big-money move.

At the Irons, he was seen as a defensive midfielder but Arteta has transformed him into one of the best, if not the best box-to-box midfielder in the land. Rice’s work rate is simply incredible and his ability to win the ball back is second to very few.

But, at Arsenal, he’s now become a threat in the final third. He scored nine goals and registered ten assists last term, his best tally in a single season.

While the 26-year-old has only scored once in 2025/26, he has registered four assists, all from set-pieces. Indeed, that’s one area where Rice has been exceptional, particularly in the last year.

You won’t need a reminder but we’ll bring it up again anyway. His free-kicks against Real Madrid last season were a thing of beauty. However, it’s his delivery into the box that stands out most.

He was involved in two of the four goals against Atleti this week, swinging in a delicious ball for Gabriel to head home and then firing in the corner that led to Gyokeres’ second.

In the words of Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz, the Three Lions star is now “the best set-piece taker in world football.”

If you didn’t think Rice could get any better, think again. He is the perfect all-rounder. Gabriel is a menacing centre-back and Saka’s creativity skills are sublime. Yet, the £240k-per-week earner has it all. He can score, he assist, he can defend and he’s arguably got the best set-piece delivery in Europe.

Few will argue against just how good Rice has been since he moved across London. The best signing we’ve seen since Wenger left? It’s hard to suggest he hasn’t been.

Barcelona’s turbulent season has taken another turn, with coach Hansi Flick reportedly informing his staff that he plans to leave the club at the end of the campaign. Frustrated by player attitudes and a perceived lack of support from the board, Flick’s disillusionment has been deepened by ongoing issues surrounding Lamine Yamal’s conduct and the club’s lenient approach toward their young star.

Frustration reaches at breaking point for Flick

Flick’s tenure at Barca appears to be nearing an early end. According to , the German coach has privately informed his staff of his decision to step down at the end of the season, admitting that he feels “very tired” and disillusioned by the atmosphere within the squad.

Flick, who had originally envisioned a three-year project in Catalonia, has grown increasingly exasperated with what he sees as a decline in professionalism and unity among his players. Despite good performances in certain spells, the German is said to be concerned by a lack of focus and commitment, particularly from individuals who have, in his words, “lost the humility that once defined them.”

The coach’s frustrations are not directed at results alone, but at what he considers a cultural issue within the dressing room – a team distracted by fame, social media, and individual interests rather than collective goals. Flick has reportedly discussed these concerns with his assistants and analysts for months, expressing doubts about his ability to change the mentality from within.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportYamal at the heart of Flick’s discontent

At the centre of Flick’s frustration lies Yamal, the teenage sensation whose talent has been overshadowed by off-field distractions. The club’s willingness to indulge the 18-year-old’s behaviour from special privileges on team trips to skipping recovery routines for media obligations has reportedly caused tension within the coaching staff.

Incidents have piled up: from Yamal flying to Milan after the defeat against Real Madrid instead of returning with teammates, to filming commercials while nursing a groin injury. Even minor breaches, like using golf carts reserved for staff or being the only player served meals at his table, have fuelled Flick’s sense of unequal treatment. The teenager also sparked controversy before El Clasico when he jokingly remarked on Twitch that “Real Madrid steal, they complain…”, a comment that angered several Madrid players and drew criticism within the club. His recent breakup with singer Nicki Nicole has further added to off-field distractions, amplifying the perception that Yamal’s focus has drifted away from football.

For Flick, the problem goes beyond discipline, it’s about values. He believes Yamal’s decline in performance stems from a waning sense of responsibility, and that the player’s recurring pubalgia injury reflects a lack of proper commitment to recovery. The coach, who prioritises strict discipline and mental focus, is frustrated at being repeatedly asked about Yamal in press conferences rather than team performance. This has reportedly led him to express his dissatisfaction to senior club figures, including Joan Laporta’s confidant Alejandro Echevarria and communications head Gabriel Martinez, who have tried to ease tensions internally.

Divided visions: Flick’s discipline vs Barcelona’s indulgence

Despite the growing strain, the 60-year-old's relationship with president Laporta and sporting director Deco remains polite and professional. However, significant philosophical differences persist between the coaching staff and the club hierarchy. Flick believes in firm discipline, a philosophy reminiscent of Luis Enrique’s approach that transformed Ousmane Dembele, who went on to win the Ballon d’Or. In contrast, the club prefers to protect and appease its young stars, allowing personal freedom in hopes of maintaining morale and avoiding public fallout.

This divergence has led to frequent internal debates over how to manage Yamal’s situation. The club argue that flexibility is necessary given his age and public profile, while Flick insists that indulging such behaviour undermines accountability and team culture. As he first warned back in September that “Egos kill success,” he has reportedly repeated the same message to his staff in recent weeks, a clear sign of how deeply the issue has frustrated him.

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Getty ImagesCan results change Flick’s mind?

Despite the clear tension, also reports that Flick’s departure is not yet final. His closest assistants believe the situation could still change, particularly if results improve and harmony returns to the dressing room.

Those within the coaching setup point to the emotional volatility of football, where a winning run or a major trophy could shift the narrative completely. A strong finish to the season, or even a Champions League triumph, could convince Flick to complete his third and originally planned final year at the club.

For now, however, the feeling around the Barca headquarters is one of uncertainty. A fractured dressing room, a fatigued coach, and a generational talent struggling under the spotlight have once again plunged Barcelona into familiar turmoil, leaving the future of Flick’s project hanging by a thread.

India’s spin allrounders add 99 runs in the session – 100 for their partnership – to erase England’s lead

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2025

Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his fifty as Washington Sundar looks on•AFP/Getty Images

Tea Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted through the afternoon session, frustrating England and helping India creep towards a doughty draw. Washington and Jadeja both made battling half-centuries as England’s bowlers toiled without reward, adding exactly 100 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership that took India into the lead.Washington batted at No. 8 in India’s first innings, below Shardul Thakur, but was promoted to No. 5 for the first time in their second. He brought up his half-century by hooking Ben Stokes for six, then pulling him for four, and Jadeja raised his later in the same over thanks to Zak Crawley’s misfield.Dropped first-ball by Joe Root at slip off Jofra Archer’s bowling, Jadeja brought out his trademark sword celebration to mark his fifth half-century in his last six innings. He also became the seventh Indian – and the third this week, following KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant – to reach 1,000 Test runs in England.England’s close fielders were occasionally excited by tight leaves or half-chances, but there were far fewer genuine opportunities than they would have anticipated. Liam Dawson and Root both wheeled away between spells from the four seamers, but found little joy from a pitch which has not deteriorated as much as they must have hoped.India’s slender lead means that England will have to chase down a target if they do manage to run through the lower order, but the draw is the clear favourite. The two captains could shake hands at the start of the last hour if they wish, though Stokes will be reluctant to accept what would be only the second draw of his tenure as captain.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was bemused following the release of Lamine Yamal from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, stating that he had "never seen anything like it." Yamal was released from the Spain squad after he underwent invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort, with the Barcelona star set to be out for the next seven to 10 days.

Yamal released from Spain squad

Yamal was released from the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey, which has left the Spanish football federation (RFEF) "surprised". The federation released an official statement on the same on Tuesday.

The statement read: “The RFEF Medical Services wish to express their surprise and dismay upon learning at 1:47 p.m. on Monday, November 10, the day the official training camp with the national team began, that player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort that same morning. This procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team's medical staff, who only became aware of the details through a report received at 10:40 p.m. last night, which indicated a medical recommendation of rest for 7-10 days. Given this situation, and prioritizing at all times the health, safety and well-being of the player, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has made the decision to release the athlete from the current call-up. We are confident that he will recover well and wish him a speedy and full recovery.”

AdvertisementGetty/GOALDe la Fuente rocked after learning of Yamal's medical activity

The latest episode is sure to reignite the feud between the RFEF and Barcelona. In an interview with on Tuesday, De la Fuente made his thoughts known on Yamal's withdrawal from the Spain squad. “There are procedures that take place outside the Federation's control," he said. "That's what happens, we have to accept it. I've never experienced a situation like this before. I don't think it's very normal. It has surprised us all. You don't have any news, you don't know any details, and on top of that, it's a health issue, so you're left surprised.”

Last week, the Spain head coach took a firm stance on his decision to call up Yamal, appearing to take a swipe at Barcelona boss Hansi Flick. The pair have been locked in a war of words since September, when Flick accused De la Fuente and the RFEF of “failing to take care” of Yamal and other players after the teenager picked up a knock while on international duty.

"I think the answer is obvious. I watched his last game, and I believe he’s in perfect condition," De la Fuente stated at a press conference. "His coach said he was ready to play. He's getting back to being the player he always has been, and we celebrate that. He will stay with us as long as we consider it appropriate.

"Watching the game the other day, Lamine is fit to play. We have two very important games and we need to field our best players. We have two hugely important matches to qualify for the World Cup, the stakes are massive and we want the best players with us."

No 'tension' between Flick and De la Fuente

On Sunday, RFEF president Rafael Louzan revealed that while there were minor disagreements between the national team and Barcelona, there were never any concerns about the matter escalating. He claimed that "Luis de la Fuente has a very good relationship with everyone," while also admitting that Flick "wants his players in perfect condition." He concluded by stating that the verbal exchanges between Flick and De la Fuente were nothing more than "just minor disagreements that wouldn't escalate because, from our point of view, there was no tension."

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Getty Images SportBarcelona cautious about Yamal's fitness issues

According to journalist Fernando Polo, Barcelona are exploring several treatment options to manage Yamal’s pubalgia – a chronic groin injury that can cause persistent discomfort, with the radiofrequency therapy performed on the youngster on Monday reportedly angering the RFEF.

The treatment involves delivering a controlled electrical current through fine needles, guided by X-rays or ultrasound imaging, to target and suppress the nerve signals that cause pain. The minimally invasive procedure does not usually require hospitalisation.

Barring any further setbacks, it is likely that Yamal will be fit and available for the clash against Athletic Club on November 22.

Manchester City are now reportedly keeping close tabs on one Arsenal star, who Pep Guardiola sees as the perfect fit for his side.

The Citizens have been at their best in recent weeks, with Erling Haaland in his usual ruthless mood. Victory over Liverpool on Sunday would truly cement their title ambitions this season, however, following a tough campaign last time out. It would also represent just how successful their summer transfer was, with the likes of Rayan Cherki now settling into life at the Etihad.

Guardiola, who is set to take charge of his 1000th game in football, told reporters that his City side have to be at their best against Liverpool even after the Reds’ disappointing form in the last month.

The City boss said: “We have to be our best. I know how quickly everything goes here. One week ago, Liverpool, six defeats, was a disaster, won two but now they come back to their best.

“I’m pretty sure all managers take a little time for more perspective and everyone has ups and downs in the competition. I have a higher opinion about Liverpool right now. Last season we were losing six games in seven games, it’s the same.”

Man City "genius" looks like the player Liverpool thought Wirtz would be

This Man City star has outshone Wirtz in less minutes this season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 7, 2025

In previous years, the Premier League title was often decided by this fixture at the Etihad. This time around, though, it looks set to decide Arsenal’s closest challengers following the Gunners’ excellent start.

It’s something that City will be well aware of and they’ve even been impressed enough to take a look at one of Mikel Arteta’s defensive players who could complete a shock exit.

Man City keeping tabs on Ben White

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Man City are now keeping close tabs on Ben White, who Guardiola sees as the perfect fit at the Etihad. The right-back, who can also play centre-back, is reportedly becoming frustrated by his position at Arsenal and could leave in pursuit of more game time – allowing City to swoop in.

The right-back position is certainly one that City could do with looking at. Whilst Matheus Nunes has grown into the role, Guardiola would benefit from a natural option down that side and that’s where White could come in.

Whether Arteta will willingly let his defender leave is another question, however. The Spaniard has been full of praise for the 28-year-old since his arrival in North London, describing him as “brave” when he decided against joining up with the England squad under Gareth Southgate.

Man City ready bid for Vinicus Jr as Real Madrid feelings revealed

Jamie Smith sets tone with 44 off 18 as Spirit keep season alive – for now

ECB Media23-Aug-2025London Spirit are just about still alive in the Hundred after an emphatic win over Southern Brave took them level with their opponents on 12 points and meant that both are still within reach of the third qualifying spot as the men’s competition heads into its defining week.Spirit’s win meant that Oval Invincibles and Northern Superchargers have now qualified for the knockout stages, while Trent Rockets can lock in the third and final qualification spot with a win over Welsh Fire in Cardiff on Sunday afternoon. Spirit and Brave both need Rockets to lose their final two games, to win their own last fixtures, and even then would be reliant on Net Run-Rates.Under the lights at Lord’s, Spirit turned in arguably their most complete performance of the tournament to date. Jamie Smith was immense in the Powerplay, pumping seven of his 18 deliveries either to or over the fence to dominate an opening stand of 66 in 36 balls with David Warner.The Australian’s departure for 25, top-edging a reverse sweep, gave Michael Bracewell his first wicket, and the Kiwi offspinner then induced the mishit from Smith, who picked out Hilton Cartwright on the midwicket fence to go for a brilliant 44.Kane Williamson has simmered so far this summer but here, he unfurled his full repertoire, hooking Jofra Archer for six and then driving him behind square for another maximum. His three sixes here, propelling him to a maiden half-century in the tournament, took his season tally up to five.Jamie Smith struck 44 off 18•Getty ImagesBrave’s attack struggled to contain, though their young left-arm spinner James Coles showed his nous, going for just 22 from his 15 deliveries and picking up the wicket of the dangerous Ashton Turner, caught in the deep.In reply, much hinged on the Brave’s two white-ball icons, James Vince and Jason Roy. But when Vince plinked a pull shot off Luke Wood to mid-on, and Roy – after a sprightly cameo, including a monstrous 102-metre six off Richard Gleeson – played all round a straight one from Liam Dawson, the Brave’s assault ran aground.For a brief moment, as Laurie Evans climbed into the spinners Jafer Chohan and Turner, hitting four sixes in five balls to leave the Brave needing 90 from 43, the most unlikely of heists seemed possible. But as wickets fell at the other end, Evans ran out of partners, momentum and belief, eventually succumbing on the long-on boundary to give Gleeson his second wicket.Dawson took care of business at the death, picking up his third clean-bowled of the evening, with Jamie Overton then castling his brother, Craig, to clinch the match and help improve the Spirit’s run-rate.The consolation for the Brave is that they remain in the shake-up, ahead of their final match on Thursday against Welsh Fire, while the Spirit face their capital rivals on Monday at the Kia Oval.